Icelanders Out-Read And Out-Publish Their Nordic Neighbours

A new study conducted at Bifröst University reveals that Icelanders publish and read more books, and are more likely to work in culturally related fields than other Nordic countries, RÚV reports. According to Professor Ágúst Einarsson’s recent study on the economic impact of the publishing industry, fifty percent of Icelanders read more than eight books a year, a figure surpassed only by the Swedes and Finns. On the other hand, Icelanders take the cake in per capita terms as 93% read more than one book a year, which is claimed to be the highest proportion of all the Nordic countries. The study further reveals that 3.2% of the Icelandic working population make their living in culturally related fields, which is not only the highest percentage among their closest neighbours, but also nearly doubles the average rate among EU member countries. The study also maintains that Iceland publishes the most books per capita compared with other Nordic countries. Last year, Iceland broke its record in yearly book publication, putting out more books than any previous year. Proportionally speaking, Iceland publishes nearly three times the number of books that either Sweden or Norway does and double what either Denmark or Finland publishes. The report also suggests that Icelanders are more avid consumers of other forms of cultural entertainment, such as cinema, theatre, and museum and gallery exhibitions. Culture evidently accounts for some 4% of the country’s GDP compared with agriculture’s 1% and fisheries’ 12%.